What promised to be a close contest turned out to be anything but, Hawthorn flattening Melbourne by more than eleven goals on Sunday.
Final score
Hawthorn 18.7 (115)
Melbourne 6.12 (48)
Sunday arvo football takes us to the home of footy, as Hawthorn host Melbourne in a potentially mouth-watering clash at the ‘G. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 3:20pm AEST.
After missing the finals last year, there were a lot of alarm bells around this new iteration of the Hawks, but as Hawthorn does, they’ve begun to prove the pundits wrong.
They’re 2-1, with wins against the Pies and Cats under their belts, and their only blight being last weekend’s loss to the premiers.
The Demons, too, are 2-1, but are honestly a pretty middling 2-1 side. A loss to Geelong and wins against Brisbane and North are on the board, but they were challenged at various levels of severity in that latter pair of results.
So, all this adds up to a big, big clash this afternoon. Hawthorn’s on-ball brigade has been stellar this year – their two biggest names, Mitchell and O’Meara, have been in great touch, and Ben McEvoy is thriving, albeit a little under the radar.
They’re also gaining James Sicily back from suspension, which is a important in for their defensive structure.
The Dees, despite question marks over their form, have been well served by the likes of Jesse Hogan, Christian Petrracca (finally providing some great, relatively consistent form!) and, of course, Max Gawn.
Gawn versus Ben McEvoy will probably make or break this game, whilst the Demons’ midfield will also have to be in great touch to overcome the Hawks powerful midfield.
A few changes for both sides, with Hawks dropping three: Kaidan Brand, Will Langford and, surprisingly, Ryan Burton have been dropped.
Irishman Conor Glass, Sicily and David Mirra (debuting) will all feature. The Demons have lost an ill Dom Tyson, and selected Angus Brayshaw for the first time this season.
Prediction
Tough one to tip, really. The Hawks have been in good form in the early stages of this season, whilst the Demons are also in pretty good nick.
Agonising decision, and it’ll probably be a match that ends up with a few points in it in the final stages. I’ll go Hawthorn, just.
Hawthorn by 5 points
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 3:20pm AEDT.
DeanM
Guest
Not that good a crowd, only defense of that was the poor weather conditions, 41,000. Raining on and off throughout the game, often too light that it may not have been visible on tv and 16 degrees and windy. So glad I was under cover.
Dan, Concord
Guest
You and me are in the same boat. No doctor in my house! Great result but for those bloody injuries!
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
I think it'll be around a month off, which means it could be worse, but it's still no doubt very disappointing. I'm no doctor, though!
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
This looked like a game of boys against men. Demons still have a way to go don't they? As for Hawthorn, they continue to defy the odds.
Dan, Concord
Guest
AD they are saying a medial ligmament. That to me doesn't sound too serious. Maybe a month off? Any idea?
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
FULL TIME It's Hawthorn prevailing by 67 points in a big, big win at the 'G. Incredibly disappointing day for the Demons, who managed a measly one goal after quarter time. Thanks for joining me today. Hawthorn: 18.7 (115) Melbourne: 6.12 (48)
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
GOAL HAWTHORN Bruest slams one home now! This is very, very bad for Melbourne, and very, very good for Hawthorn. Hawthorn: 18.7 (115) Melbourne: 6.12 (48)
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
GOAL HAWTHORN O'Brien with his third, and Hawthorn ain't removing their foot from the pedal! Hawthorn: 17.7 (109) Melbourne: 6.12 (48)
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
GOAL HAWTHORN Roughead slams home a goal. Hawthorn: 16.7 (103) Melbourne: 6.12 (48)
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
GOAL HAWTHORN The Hawks just ain't slowing down! O'Meara clams slams home his second. Hawthorn: 15.7 (97) Melbourne: 6.12 (48)
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
GOAL HAWTHORN O'Brien's second goal, and it's the Hawks by 43 points. Hawthorn: 14.7 (91) Melbourne: 6.12 (48)
Dan, Concord
Guest
Bugger. Cheers AD
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
GOAL HAWTHORN There might have been a slight chance for Melbourne in this one, but Roughead's goal just put an end to that. Hawthorn: 13.7 (85) Melbourne: 6.12 (48)
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Knee injury, according to social media. Dunno how severe, sorry.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
GOAL MELBOURNE Finally! Neal-Bullen with the long awaited, drought breaking goal for the Dees. Hawthorn: 12.7 (79) Melbourne: 6.12 (48)
Dan, Concord
Guest
AD, do you know what the injury is for Rioli?
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
GOAL HAWTHORN Stellar goal from Hawks - Gunston with a sensational major from the far righthand angle, fifty metres out. Hawthorn: 12.7 (79) Melbourne: 5.12 (42)
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Ha. I'm laughing so much. ... no actually don't say that i'm sad now ;)
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
BEHIND DEMONS Harmes with a minor score - their seventh consecutive miss. Hawthorn: 11.7 (73) Melbourne: 5.12 (42)
XI
Roar Guru
Isn't it nice to see Geelong and Hawthorn back on top of the league? It's been so long for their poor suffering fans... /s